Rhyl Journal: Countdown to the reopening of Prestatyn’s Scala cinema

FINAL preparations are being made ahead of the re-opening of Prestatyn’s Scala cinema.

Rob Arthur, who runs Aurora Leisure Ltd – the new leaseholder of the venue – confirmed that his team were on target to reopen on Friday, July 3 and that a public meeting would be held “sometime” next week.

The cinema hopes to introduce 4k projectors and a new satellite for live events; equipment is set to be installed this week. A management team has been recruited and other staff will be hired.

Tickets for live events are already on sale – NT Live: Everyman on Thursday, July 16, Andre Rieu 2015 Maastricht Concert, July, Saturday 18 and the RSC: The Merchant of Venice on Wednesday, July 22.

Mr Arthur, previously the managing director of Apollo Cinemas, said: “We are working to open the cinema as quickly as possible. We want to hold a public meeting. We have taken a lot of time with this because we need to get it right.”

Leaseholders have promised that residents and visitors to Prestatyn will see “plenty of activity” around the building this week.

A post on the Scala Cinema Prestatyn Facebook page reads: “This week we’re ramping everything up and moving from behind-the-scenes work to some real work.”

“Following the closure of the Scala, earlier in the year, key parts of the old projection equipment were removed from the cinema by the former operator. We took the decision to replace with more modern, reliable equipment that will be guaranteed and serviced by Sony over the next five years.”

“We will not be opening every part of the Scala initially, as we think it is important to meet and discuss the options for the future with the public before making definite plans.”

Councillor Paul Penlington, Prestatyn North, expressed he was pleased to hear about the imminent re-opening of the Scala.

“It has been a concerning few months but we’re very fortunate to have a state of the art facility on our high street during difficult economic times,” he said.

“My colleagues and I have worked closely with Denbighshire officers to find a tenant and credit is due to Rob Arthur who’s taken our comments on board and worked hard to ensure the Scala will reflect the needs of our community.

“Prestatyn councillors and Denbighshire County Council have developed a good working partnership to ensure Prestatyn is on the up.

“The Scala wil be a vital part of a range of attractions that will maintain and support our town centre, tourism and the wider community.”

Aurora Leisure was revealed as the new leaseholder of the Scala in March.

Mr Arthur, who was born in Bathgate, added: “It is about listening to the customer and the community.”

With thanks…

With grateful thanks to local Prestatyn historian Mr Harry Thomas for granting permission via the former Friends Of The Scala to use information, images and content from his books where applicable, and to the former Friends Of The Scala for permission to retain previous content.